In Depth Review

According to a new study by ABI Research, the demand for handheld gaming devices has been on the decline since 2008. The numbers will probably be flat through 2017, but demand will continue for the devices, probably as a niche market. The study reports that both the Sony and Nintendo gaming platforms are losing ground as more gaming apps are developed for cell phones and tablets – devices with a growing market share.

Another report authored by NewZoo - Mobile Games Trend Report found that of 60,000,000... 49% of console gamers play games on their cell phone while 33% play on their tablets. The uptake of tablets is having its impact on games, from a consumer as well as a business perspective. Of the 60 million console gaming tablet users, an average 42% already plays games on mobile device screens. View an interesting Infographic on the usage of cell phones and tablets for gaming.

Key Take-Aways

Fresh 2012 data

Number of Mobile Gamers jumps 35% in US year-on-year totaling 100 million

The US counts 21 million tablet gamers

Growth in EU, based on five countries is lower: 15% or 70 million mobile gamers

Share of in-game spending continues to rise: 90% in US, 79% in Europe for both iPhone and iPad.

4.2 million iOS games are downloaded per day in the US. 2.4 million in key EU territories. Review 2011 data

Share of mobile gamers that spends money is highest in Asia (47%) followed by the US (36%).

Europe and Emerging markets show lower “conversion” at 26%.

A slight majority of paying mobile gamers is male. 58% in US, 65% in EU.

22% of American mobile gamers use mobile games as extension of a game played on a different platform.

While both Sony and Nintendo are expected to ship more than 38 million handheld gaming devices in 2013, that’s significantly lower than the 47 million that were sold at the peak of their popularity in 2008.

Here’s what senior ABI analyst Michael Inouye said about the future of the gaming device market: “Mobile devices will compete with dedicated handheld gaming devices, but select consumer segments like core gamers and those individuals who do not want or have a smartphone or tablet will still provide some demand,” “The addition of mobile gaming is not necessarily a zero sum situation; in fact, many feel there is plenty of room in the gaming market for both portable and mobile gaming.”

Not only is Apple under fire for the factory conditions and dust explosions that have occurred at their Chinese based manufacturing locations, but according UBM TechInsights, the Silicon Valley darling is looking at a lower profit margin on its upcoming iPad3.

The new iPad 3 will have an estimated bill of materials cost of $310, up from $270.86 on the original iPad and $276.27 on the iPad 2 based on versions at launch using 16 Gbytes memory. By selling all three at the same $629 price, Apple is cutting its profit margins about five points from 56-57 percent on the first two generation products to 51 percent on the new iPad, UBM TechInsights projected.

Apple’s profit margin on the iPad 2 will dip to an estimated 53 percent when it is discounted to $529 at the release of the new model. The iPad 2 sustains less of a hit because prices of its components are projected to have come down since its launch last year resulting in a current bill of materials cost of $248.07 for the 2012 version of the iPad 2, it said.

Why the cost increase? It is in large part thanks to the new iPad’s Retina display. UBM notes that those changes in display cost Apple approximately $70 compared to the $49.50 iPad2 display. In addition to the Retina display, the iPad3’s 4G LTE chips are more than double in cost to the iPad2’s 3G chips ($21 per chip compared to $10) and a more expensive A5X processor chip that adds another $6 in cost.

One can only assume that Apple will look to periphery devices (wireless keyboards, protective cases, docking stations etc) to help close the gap in their gross profit margins for this newest iPad. But as these devices become more expensive to manufacturer, retail prices will inevitably rise. The same may be true for Apple’s line of iPhone 4S smartphone as well. These handsets will also have the more costly 4G LTE chips and increasingly more advanced displays.

As these prices rise, it may cause consumers to take stock of what they are shelling out hundreds of dollars for. Many times, it is more cost effective to reinvest in tablet accessories and less costly peripheral devices to achieve a comparable user experience. And, as in home renovations, sometimes a fresh coat of paint or a new protective case is just as effective in revitalizing the object in question.

The Samsung Galaxy s3 was intended to be currently on display at the Mobile World event over in Barcelona, Spain. However Samsung later opted to decline the showing at the Mobile World Congress. In a strategic move... Samsung executives have chosen wait and give the whole world one big launch date, which is yet to be announced... although reports have it set around June of this year. While we are still not sure whether this device will be launched as an unlocked cell phone or the related accessories to help protect, personalize and enhance its mobility... we do know that the Galaxy S 3 is slated for launch in over 50 major countries.

Regardless of this, it hasn’t stopped reporters getting their hands on all the specifications and features that the Samsung Galaxy s3 will have. The details have fans frothing at the mouth and word of Apple iPhone 4S and Window based Nokia Lumia phone lovers jumping ship is happening often, people are so impressed by the reports.

While one can argue that its only speculation, we need to consider that sources these days are never far off the money, if they are off at all.

Samsung Galaxy S3 specs are now the topic of discussion for the tech communities across the world. The perception that the forthcoming smart phone from Samsung will set the bar very high for its competitors to follow in the days to come seems to be true.

The following video is an excellent review of the Samsung Galaxy S 3 that whets the appetite for the highly-anticipated addition to the Android family

The new Samsung baby is going to be 4.8 inch 1024p HD Super AMOLED Plus display with a SXGA resolution of 1280 x 1024, a lot bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S2, but a tad smaller than Galaxy Note, the 5 inch smart phone from Samsun's own stable. Some sources claim that it will be a 3D display as well. In any event, we can see an advanced display from Samsung, the world leader in mobile display technology. Samsung should install a display that can really beat down the high definition Retina Display of iPhone 4S and the possible iPhone 5.

Driving this splendid device is a powerful 1.5 GHz quad-core Samsung Exynos processor zipping the process right along. There will be 2GB RAM. You read it right. Reports indicate that Samsung is to make its next gen Galaxy S as powerful as a laptop.

The hardware is encased in an ever-chic ceramic shell. For those that don’t care for the ceramic case, there is an ever growing array of protective cases and skins to personalize the device to your heart’s content. No matter your style, you will want to protect the 4.8 inch, “full HD” 1080p display to avoid damage and unsightly scratches with top brand bags, cases and sleeves.

As far as camera in the new Galaxy S3 is concerned, all indication point towards the fact that it will be substantially better than Galaxy S2 and Apple’s top selling iPhone 4S. Different sources report that Samsung will mount a 12-megapixel rear camera on Galaxy S3. The current version of Galaxy S2 has an 8-megapixel rear camera. Many recent or upcoming phones like iPhone 4S, Nokia Lumia 800, Motorola Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound are also up with 8-megapixel camera. So Samsung may make its Galaxy S3 a far powerful machine for image and video capturing.

The icing and the cherry on the cake are the 4G LTE capability and Android 4.0 OS bringing you the final touches of a smartphone that is beautifully designed and made.

HTC Media Link’s maiden voyage at last year’s Mobile World Congress did not make much of a splash. The second go-around at this year’s MWC out-razzles and out-dazzles its predecessor. The HTC Media Link is a WiFi adapter that lets consumers make use of their HDTV to stream video, music, and pictures via DLNA.

That basic concept hasn’t changed since last year, but the product has been significantly refined to improve the end users’ experience. And, with the 2012 version you can wirelessly stream your phone display – oh the possibilities! With fairy godmother-like precision, a three-finger swipe of the display on the HTC One X or HTC One S will magically bring your display to the big screen via the Media Link.

This means bringing your web browsing session to the TV, or your Angry Birds game, or your email, or your applications. What is really magical about this year’s device is that you can show a feature film streaming from your phone to your home theatre. Does this mean you have to be phone free while the film is being shown? No sir! With a simple touch of the home button, this wonderful piece of smartphone gadgetry and accessorizing lets you continue to use your cell phone. Including phone calls!

To bring the smartphone display back to the palm of your hand, another downward swipe of three fingers on the display will do the trick. For HTC fans that want to maximize the utility of their devices without adding to the tech clutter in the home, this could be the alternative to a docking station.

While there have not been announcements around the availability of this nifty accessory, anyone who uses the media player functionality, apps, games and the many other capabilities of their HTC will add this to the must-have accessory list when suiting up their new HTC One S or HTC One X this spring.

With a device this size having these specs... is it a smartphone or is it a tablet or is it a little bit of both - to coin a new phrase smartabletphone

Do they really expect customers to hold this handset (overall dimensions of the Vu are 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm) to speak on the phone for any length of time? At least the latter bodes well for Bluetooth headsets.

In addition to being a “multimedia lover’s dream device” - the phone features a 5-inch 1024 x 768 IPS display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor, an 8-megapixel camera, and will support LTE. What's new is the storage capacity — the phone will come with 32GB of storage — and the full dimensions. The phone measures in at 5.49 inches by 3.55 inches, making it wider than the already substantially-sized Galaxy Note, but thinner at just 0.33 inches thick (8.5mm). Taking another cue from the Note's playbook, the Vu introduces the 'rubberidium' stylus pen as well.

As an alternative to the Galaxy Note, we are looking forward to seeing the product launch. In its press release, LG stated the Optimus Vu “boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen”.

While this Android newcomer will initially come with OS 2.3 Gingerbread, an Ice Cream Sandwich update is en route. Also, before giving us a peek of this handset at the Mobile World Congress LG confirmed that the Vu will be available at Korea’s SK Telecom carrier in early March. As an LTE-enabled device, this could very well be seen in Canada later this year, but there have been no details around carrier availability or if the handset will be available unlocked.

Can you hear the Apple machine cranking? The infamous company has yet to reach its zenith for this century according to Gartner reports and financial projections of the past few weeks and its adoring public is not likely to disappoint or be disappointed.

Tablets will see an explosion in sales over the next four years, selling 60% as many units as PCs by 2015 – and Apple iPad will still have almost half the market by then, says the research group Gartner in a bullish forecast.

After delivering a surprisingly popular (and by last quarter’s earnings reports, buyable) iPhone 4S, we are more prepared than ever to see the company’s latest iPad. The iPad 3 has had rumors swirling about it for months now. Considering the slate is to be the third in a line of tablet royalty, it is no wonder that the speculation and press around the device could easily fit into the format of US Weekly. And would probably be interesting than reading about the

So when we caught wind that images of the device had been published by the Chinese language Apple Daily before the official announcement, inquiring minds needed to know just how accurate those images were considering the limited visuals that had been previously leaked. We are also keeping an ear to the ground for any news on Apple iPad3 accessories

Happily, previous reports seem in line with what was seen in the Apple Daily. The case will be familiar to iPad2 users, but has the twist: a gradual taper leading from the back to the edges. This will likely translate into new accessories needed for the new slate, but that remains to be seen.

From the spec perspective, the Apple Daily reconfirms that the iPad3 will have a 9.7-inch Retina Display and an 8-megapixel camera. With a quad-core Apple A6 processor and embedded 4G LTE connectivity under the hood, customers will not be disappointed. Apple is expected to debut the iPad3 at a press conference early March where we will hopefully hear more of plans to pair exclusively with a telecommunications carrier or if the device will be made available unlocked.

LG’s high-end Androidsmartphone offerings have been somewhat disappointing in the past. As such, when we caught wind of the upcoming LG X3 superphone we were unsure how to react in expectation of this new device. However, based on the information provided Paul O’Brien of MoDaCo, the anonymously leaked screenshots and benchmarks for this handset, LG may have a winner on its hands when they unveil the LC X3 as their new flagship device at this month’s Mobile World Congress.

What can we glean from the screenshots? They suggest that the X3 will have either a lightly skinned version of LG’s overlay running or simply stock Android ICS (4.0.3). The quad-core processor previously mentioned should mean great performance for everyday tasks. And with 16GB internal memory that can be expanded to 48GB thanks to an internal microSD slot, a power processor helps ensure that users have the space to download, stream, and share their music, photos and other data.

Interested consumers may look forward to seeing a 2000mAh battery, 8 megapixel rear-facing camera that supposedly rocks an uber fast shutter. The front-facing camera isn’t as impressive, but will get the job done in a pinch. Through in an NFC chip and you can one of those neat NFC chip enable smartphone protective case wallets that bring a new meaning to fashion and function.

We are optimistic that LG will bring a worthy contender to the Mobile World Congress and dispel the misgivings and fears of those that been scared off by less than stellar mobile OS experiences with LG. If they fall flat, at least we will not be adrift in an Android-less sea of smartphone offerings from other manufacturers.

Remember Zoolander’s impossibly tiny cell phone? At the time smaller was cooler when it came to mobile devices. Impossibly small, then impossibly thin. And now, “bigger is better” is making a comeback.

At least that’s what we may see from LG at this month’s Mobile World Congress. More than likely, the LG Optimus 3D 2, quad-core X3 will be on display but we also hope to see LG’s Vu. The super-sized, 5 inch phone was the star of a teaser video from the Korean company and boasts a large screen. Discover the LG Vu:

The aforementioned was a simple teaser… whetting our appetite for the LG Vu. Besides the 5 in 1024x768IPS display, this upcoming Android 2.3 dual-core handset will have a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S3 processor, 1 GB RAM and 8 GB of internal storage. There are smartphones out there with more impressive specs, but there are removable storage and extra memory for sale out there to accommodate the pictures taken with the Vu’s 8 megapixel camera. See the entire LG Vu feature list here.

LG has to hope that the Vu has a better sales record than the Pantech Pocket, the most recent Android device that used a 4 to 3 aspect ratio. By all accounts, that smartphone bombed miserably at AT&T. However, LG has been surprising consumer with great cell phones, as such, if launched properly to the consumer market; the LG Vu could be a great alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Note.

As of now, we cannot say if the Vu will be at the Mobile World Congress, if it is to be brought to North America as an unlocked cell phone, or when it will be available outside of Korea. However, our fingers are crossed to see more of this new device. If the accessories are as intriguing as the possibilities of this handset, LG’s Vu may be a contender.

I just love sharing with my readers... the various product survival tests that manufacturers put their various brands through to help ensure that they live to their specified high standards.

Here we got a hold of three separate BlackBerry produced by Ryan P. a hardware Engineering Technician at RIM... these are the Water Test, the Drop Test and the Bend and Flex Test:

The Water Test

For the water test a BlackBerry Curve 9360 was dropped into water, or what they call the “Moisture Ingress Test”. This water contains dye so that they can tell where imperfections are in the design to “improve the device’s water seal”.

The actual drop test is cool and apparently every Berry gets dropped on concrete “hundreds of times” to ensure it’s ready for a full rollout. In the video it’s never states the amount of pressure that used for the bend test, but does confirm “your BlackBerry smartphone can withstand the pressure of your posterior”.

Finally, the keys. Majority of BB users love the QWERTY keyboard – it’s one of the main reasons that makes a BlackBerry so “iconic”. The keys have been pushed, zapped and tested “literally millions of times to sure they click with the right pressure and can withstand all the e-mails, BBM messages and tweets that you type. Have you ever been shocked by a door handle… RIM zaps them with what is called an Electrostatic Discharge, or ESD, to make sure that the sensitive internal components are protected.”

Motorola has done it again! Introducing a new Droid RAZR! This one was launched last Thursday by Verizon and has the likely moniker of “DROID RAZR MAXX.” As with any other mobile carrier, the handset is available at a discounted price when a new two-year agreement is signed. The asking price is $299.99. With that kind of out of pocket investment and a signed contract, this writer would highly recommend consumers to shop around for an unlocked cell phone. These unlocked cell phones empower consumers to break free service provider long term contracts and permit to negotiate a plan that best meets your lifestyle needs at the lowest price.

Compared to its predecessor, the DROID RAZR, this latest Motorola is housed in a thicker frame (only slightly). After that the differences are nominal. In fact, Droid-Life affirmed rumors that each of these devices runs on exactly the same software. Even the Android versions for both the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX are the same kernel, build number, and baseband version. The community forums have some miffed participants that accuse Motorola of simply charging customers for a new battery, but this streamlined user of software should actually make things easier on the manufacturer, carrier, and consumer.

Discover the Droid RAZR MAXX in this insightful video :

Smartphone manufacturers are known for making slight changes and rebranding devices. This allows the newest handsets to accommodate tech changes by tweaking the software versions from the old to the new device. Some examples of this are the DROID 2 and DROID R2D2. The silver lining is that as the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX, it will all be interchangeable which permits tech-savvy users to take advantage of a wide range of custom ROMs.

Alas, with the slight variation in size, all accessories may not be interchangeable. But with the internal specs unchanged, peripheral devices and more technical accessory purchases should meet the system requirements of both smartphones.